ARAB MUSLIMS Meaning and
Definition
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Arab Muslims refers to individuals who belong to the Arab ethnic group and adhere to the teachings and practices of the Islamic faith. It is a collective term used to describe people who identify as Arabs and follow the beliefs and rituals of Islam.
The term "Arab" specifically refers to individuals who share a common linguistic, cultural, and historical heritage, originating from the Arab world, which encompasses parts of the Middle East and North Africa. Meanwhile, "Muslims" refers to people who follow the religion of Islam, which was founded in the 7th century CE by the Prophet Muhammad. Islam is based on the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Hadith (sayings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad).
Arab Muslims can be found in various countries across the world, particularly in the Middle East, but also in significant numbers in North Africa and parts of Asia. They share a common religious identity and may participate in Islamic practices such as daily prayers, fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, and the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj), which is one of the five pillars of Islam. Arab Muslims, like Muslims from other ethnic backgrounds, follow various sects within Islam, primarily Sunni and Shia. They also engage in diverse cultural practices influenced by their Arab heritage, such as speaking Arabic, enjoying Arab cuisine, and preserving Arab traditions.
Etymology of ARAB MUSLIMS
The word "Arab Muslims" is a combination of two terms with different etymologies:
1. Arab: The term "Arab" originates from the ancient Arabian Peninsula, where the Arabic language and Arab culture developed. The exact etymology of the word "Arab" is uncertain, but it is believed to have stemmed from the Semitic root word "ʕ-r-b", which means "to be arid" or "desert". The term gradually evolved to denote the people living in the Arabian Peninsula and those who adopted the Arabic language and culture.
2. Muslims: The term "Muslims" refers to the followers of Islam, which is a monotheistic religion that originated in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula. The word "Muslim" is derived from the Arabic word "mūslim", which means "one who submits [to God]".
